5/24/17

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Long awaited update!

Benjamin is doing well. We have been busy bees at the McCarthy household. We got a new driveway and have been working on a tiling project. Ben has been very busy since we got home from surgery. He was going to Mary Free Bed for OT until he started at the Ottawa Area Center on Sept 5th. He seems to be enjoying going there, and it really seems like a wonderful place. We are working on getting a bus accessible stroller for him. We are also taking him to get AFO assessment for his feet on the 20th. We plan to go to the cardiologist in Nov. At his last visit he was 90 on the pulse ox and I hope he continues to do well. Allison has been enjoying kindergarten at Coopersville and is adjusting well. I have been working part-time so that I can manage Ben's care much better. I also feel more balanced between home, work, and doctor apts. Things are going great, thanks for all the thoughts and prayers.

About Me

Started this blog to keep people informed on Ben's progress and our family.
08.13.10 - Born in Grand Rapids
08.18.10 - Norwood Procedure at U of M
12.09.10 - Hemi-Fontan
Benjamin Daniel McCarthy was prenatally diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome when Elizabeth was around 23 weeks pregnant. Basically Ben's left side of the heart did not develop correctly and it would not have supported his life. This occurs in about 1,000 babies a year for unknown reasons. Luckily C.S. Mott's Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor has had success with a three step surgery. Benjamin is having success with this process and his parents and sister are thankful to have him in their lives.
At 1.5 years old Ben was diagnosed with Cerebral palsy affecting his left side.

Heart Poem

It's a beautiful day up in heaven. Jesus is rounding up his finest angels, to go live on earth, and be born. One of the sweetest angels says to Jesus "I don't want to leave, I like it here, and I will miss you". He reassures the scared little angel that everything will be okay, and that he is just going for a visit. He is still not swayed on this idea. So Jesus kneels down, and says, "How about if you leave half your heart here with me and take the other half with you, will that be okay?" The angel smiles and says, " I guess that will work". But the little angel is still a little scared. He asks, "Will I be okay with only half of my heart?" Jesus replies, "Of course you will, I have other angels there that will help out, and you will be fine. "Then Jesus gives the the angel more details about his plan. He says "When you are born, your mommy will be scared, so you have to be strong, and when you feel weak just remember that have the other half of your heart". "Enjoy your time with your family, play and laugh everyday." "And when its time to come back to heaven, I will make your heart whole again. Always remember that you are not broken, just torn between two loves."